Optimization of Continuous Synthesis of Cross‐Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Microreactors

A process for continuous synthesis of cross‐linked chitosan‐sodium tripolyphosphate (CS‐TPP) nanoparticles is optimized using microreactors for its comparison with a batch stirred reactor. The effect of various parameters including residence time, concentration of CS, pH of the CS solutions, and stabilizing surfactant concentration was modeled by population balance equations (PBEs) to determine size, growth, and nucleation rates of the CS‐TPP nanoparticles. The smallest particle size was obtained at lower residence time, lower concentration of CS, pH 5, and using a surfactant concentration above its critical micellar concentration. The particles obtained from the microreactors are agglomerated but are smaller in size as compared to those obtained from the batch reactor. The system was also optimized for the minimum particle size applying the estimated growth rate and the PBEs. The continuous synthesis of cross‐linked chitosan‐sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles in a microreactor was optimized and modeled and compared with a batch reactor process. Population balance equations were applied to model the system in terms of growth and nucleation rates which are important for the physical understanding of the process and to control the particle size.